June 15, 2025:

IMG_6217.jpeg
IMG_6218.jpeg
IMG_6219.jpeg
 
I walked through their courtyard yesterday and it was quite pleasant. Lots of seating, lots of plants, and "deeper" than I thought. Design and materials looked quite good too. Unfortunately no pics as I was carrying groceries from No Frills. Not fond of the buildings themselves, but the courtyard is gets a thumbs up from me. Some sort of (small) water feature would've been a big bonus I think.

Don't most builds also need to have an art piece? Or was that rule that was shelved a long time ago?
 
tripwire said:
I walked through their courtyard yesterday and it was quite pleasant. Lots of seating, lots of plants, and "deeper" than I thought. Design and materials looked quite good too. Unfortunately no pics as I was carrying groceries from No Frills. Not fond of the buildings themselves, but the courtyard is gets a thumbs up from me. Some sort of (small) water feature would've been a big bonus I think.

Don't most builds also need to have an art piece? Or was that rule that was shelved a long time ago?
Click to expand...
The plantings in that courtyard have really thrived this year, I guess the hot humid weather and the fact that it doesn't get too much direct sun have helped. But I agree, the whole configuration of the benches feels like it's designed around a centerpiece that does not exist. A fountain would be great, but a sculpture or something would be ok as well.

One annoyance I've really noticed this summer is that only side of the building without trees -- the south side -- is the one that needs them the most, because it gets the most sun.. That stretch can be HOT walking, and I often cross out of my way to the south side of the Esplanade to avoid that stretch. Shame.
 
tripwire said:
I walked through their courtyard yesterday and it was quite pleasant. Lots of seating, lots of plants, and "deeper" than I thought. Design and materials looked quite good too. Unfortunately no pics as I was carrying groceries from No Frills. Not fond of the buildings themselves, but the courtyard is gets a thumbs up from me. Some sort of (small) water feature would've been a big bonus I think.

Don't most builds also need to have an art piece? Or was that rule that was shelved a long time ago?
Click to expand...
I think it was never a firm Rule and the City website now says...

The Toronto Official Plan encourages the inclusion of public art in all significant private sector developments across the City. City Planning works with the private sector to secure public art contributions through development review, Official Plan amendments and rezonings.

The governing principle for the Percent for Public Art Program is that art is a public benefit to be enjoyed and experienced by residents and visitors throughout the city. The privately-owned art is intended to make buildings and open spaces more attractive and interesting and to improve the quality of the public realm. The Program requires that the artwork must be clearly visible at all times from publicly accessible areas. Alternatively, City Planning may seek public art contributions to be directed to City-owned public lands. An overview of the Program can be found in the Percent for Public Art Program brochure (opens in new window) . To explore some of Toronto’s public art on your own, use the Public Art Map. See: https://www.toronto.ca/city-governm...-guidelines/percent-for-public-art-inventory/
 
You must log in or register to post here.

Back
Top